Arsene Wenger has opened up on his decision to leave Arsenal - admitting that the club’s fans had a major role to play in him deciding to walk away.

Wenger, who will stand down at the end of the season, has been a divisive figure in north London for the past few years, with sections of the Arsenal fanbase having long called for him to leave.

Last season there were protests outside the Emirates, while planes were flown over away grounds towing banners calling for the manager not be given a new contract.

Despite that, he signed a new two-year deal in the summer, only for him to announce on Friday that he would be leaving at the end of the current campaign, ending his 22-year stay in charge.

His announcement came after weeks of seeing the Emirates half full, as disgruntled supported choose to stay away with Arsenal struggling in sixth in the Premier League.

And, speaking after his side saw off West Ham 4-1 on Sunday, the Frenchman has now admitted that the action of certain fans played a big part in him walking away because of the damage it was doing to the image of the club.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

When asked if he was relieved to be leaving, given the criticism he has received, Wenger said: “No, because I was not tired.

“But I believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity at the club I want, that was hurtful.

“Because I feel the club is respected and overall the image we gave of our club is not what it is and not what I like.

He added: ”This club has a fantastic image, for me that is absolutely vital.

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“Sport is about winning and losing and you have to accept that you are going to lose games. But it’s about something bigger. For me, that was always a worry how the club was perceived worldwide.

“For kids who play in Africa and China and America. The dream that it can create for young children who want to play football.

“All our clubs have a responsibility in that.”

Wenger was treated to a heroes reception at the Emirates on Sunday during the win against West Ham, with the fans inside the stadium cheering his name throughout the 90 minutes.

Nacho Monreal of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side's first goal with Granit Xhaka and Alex Iwobi during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

But it hasn’t always been that way during the past year. The atmosphere at times has been more toxic than celebratory - as results have gone against Wenger’s side.

It’s made life very uncomfortable for Wenger, but the Arsenal boss insists the criticism hasn’t hurt him.

“No, not me.” he said.

But when asked if the situation had hurt the club, he added: “Look, I’m not resentful and I do not want to make stupid headlines. I’m not resentful with the fans.

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“I want that to go on and to be respected and to give the image I think is right. There is a lot of money in the game, but above that, more than the money, more than the result, is the way the club is perceived and the example the club gives all over the world.”

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